THURROCK will compete in Ryman Division One North next season after having their appeal against a three-point penalty for playing an ineligible player rejected by The FA.
Joel Barnett played four games for the Fleet last term, scoring once and helping them pick up three points with a victory over Lewes.
But the striker was ineligible to play as he was banned indefinitely for not paying his £16 share of the debt Wakefield Sunday side Wilton owed to the local FA after folding two years ago.
Thurrock suggested that Barnett’s registration with Wilton had been forged, giving them hope the FA would overturn the punishment.
However, the FA upheld their decision on Tuesday, resulting in the confirmation of Thurrock’s relegation.
The Fleet may still take the case to the court of arbitration but they will wait until later in the week to make a decision on that.
Ryman League Division One North club Tilbury also fell foul of playing Barnett last season, suffering an 18-point penalty for his involvement while with them.
They also appealed that punishment but also had their appeal rejected by the FA.
But unlike Thurrock, Tilbury’s penalty didn’t see them fall into the relegation zone so they will continue to compete at Step 4 next season.
